Linhof Technika inquiry

[Ron_673]

I've been out of 4X5 photography for about 7 years now. I did own a Wista 45DX u ntil 1992 and was very pleased with this camera. Recently I have been looking at used wood field cameras and I ran across a used Linhof Super Technika III, vint age 1954 (last version before the Technika IV). Not knowing anything about Techn ika's, I was quite impressed with the precision and quality built into this came ra. I was so impresed that I have started to question why buy a wooden field cam era when I can buy this Technika at a considerably lower price. Any persons out there that can give me good advice with regard to buying this used Linhof Techni ka or buying a used wood field camera such as a Wista 45DX, Zone VI, etc.

One last thing, I have already learned that the Technika III lens boards are exp ensive and hard to find. I also have learned that parts for the Technika III are also hard to find. Are these good reson not to purchase the Technika III?

[Michael Kadillak]

There is an excellent section on the Linhof camera models at the opening section of this web page.

Should answer your questions and then some.

[David Grandy]

No front tilts on a Tech III. Could be a concern.

[Blake]

no front tilt forward....drop the bed and rack up the rise or put the camera on it's side and use the swing...

[Robert A. Zeichner]

I have used a Horseman 45FA (still a current and expensive model) and still own and like this type of camera a lot. The problem is I do quite a bit of work in places like Death Valley where dust and dirt can be a problem. Wooden cameras that run dry (no lubricants to attract sand) are much easier to clean in the field than folding metal technical cameras. If you plan to work in fairly clean places or are willing to forego a shot here and there when it's too dusty, the Linhof or other cameras like it would be fine. By the way, if you're interested, I'll sell the 45FA with 5 lensboards, right angle viewer, 90mm f8 Super Angulon and a 150 f5.6 Sironar for $2200. I have the original box and manual for the camera and it's in excellent to mint condition. Best of Luck in your search

[tom meyer]

I've used a Linhof Tech III (actually 2) for about 12 years and the only thing I occasionally yearn for is a more precise tilt up front. As Trib notes, the drop bed combined with the front rise and then a fine tune with the rear standard, suits for a lot of extreme movement in a camera that doubles well as a battle axe. Consider using the money you save for top notch glass and you'll never regret it. Get yerself a 90mm 4.5 Grandagon (which the Tech III handles fine) and forget the lesser movements (the rear element slides in like... well like it was made for this camera). If you want to use shorter lenses you might need to go to the Tech IV. These cameras have tons of extension, I routinely use a 210mm. The section on Linhofs at this site (as previously noted) is really the best you can do short of takin' it out and moving it around...t

[Bob Salomon]

"If you want to use shorter lenses you might need to go to the Tech IV. "

Let's not confuse people.

The Technika IV, V and Master Technika all have the same wide angle capability.

On these cameras you can use 72mm and longer lenses with no added accessories (other than the proper lensboard).

You can add the Linhof Wide Angle Focusing Device to these cameras and then also use 55mm to 65mm lenses on the proper lens boards.

On the Master Technika 2000 you can use lenses from 35mm up as this version, in place of the rangefinder, has a built-in wide angle focusing system in the camera body.

So the proper answer is that all modern Technikas (1956 and later) have the same wide angle capability. The difference is the amount of movement in the later models as well as added strength in the bed for heavy lenses as full extension.

Also, a major difference between early cameras (the III and IV) and later cameras with wide angle is the front rise. On the III and IV the control is behind the lens standard which makes using it with short lenses difficult. On the V and Master the control is in front of the standard.

[Blake]

yes and few wide angle devices for the tech 111 come up for sale from time to time ....you may not find one that matches the color of your tech but who cares....about the lens boards...there really is no problem finding these boards in fact nearly every large format specialist has some old ones sitting around some may even have a cam or two, and if you can't find a board you can always make one! someone out there is making new black and badged boards for the tech 111 too, but I don't want to step on Bob's toes so I'll refrain from directing you elsewhere. Tech 111's are pretty common you'll come to find and I don't think you'll have a problem with parts. I've even bought some tech IV lenses pre-mounted to tech IV boards and used them on my 111, but it won't work the other way around. p.s. Bob go ahead and send me one of those new tech 2000's I'll pay you later! heheee

[Blake]

so sue me!

[Blake]

I just noticed that we've made a helluva argument FOR linhof Bob! In the last few posts if you distill away the crazy talk (my apologies) you may find the jist. The only complaint I have about a 45 year old system is that a silly badge won't stay put! That's not bad....not bad at all. I expect similar complaints about my future linhof purchases....... in 50 years!